Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1405904
A lessandra Branca's I t a l i a n r o o t s a r e s h o w i n g . The Rome-born designer has lived and worked in Chicago for more than 30 years, forming the basis for a rich blend of classically inspired interiors that's welcoming and fresh. Revered by those who love design, she's known for her deft use of color, often taking a page from the past with vibrant Pompeian red and mellow ocher hues, which remind her of the ancient and gregarious city of Rome. Last year, Branca, an enthusiastic global traveler who often connects with a fascinating crowd of creatives along the way, launched Casa Branca. Colorful and patterned, the collection is filled with tableware, pillows, lampshades, fabrics, wallpapers, and linens, each bearing an artisan's touch. Included are white bisque artichoke lamps and tulip candelabras sculpted by ceramicists at the famed Paris studio of Jean Roger; embroidered linens masterfully stitched by Rwandan women; marbled desk accessories and boxes from India; and wireless alfresco table lamps painted with bamboo detailing by American artist Margot Larkin. Her second collection for Casa Branca, Into the Woods, is filled with classic Branca motifs such as tartans woven in Scotland, Verdure Camo linen and wallpapers inspired by historic hunting lodges, Bosco clay- coated wallpapers in Beechwood and Macassar, and of course, stripes. Her master bedroom design for Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach in January was awash in blue-and-white Portuguese-inspired fabrics that are now included in her Casa Branca line, along with wallpaper from her collaboration with de Gournay. Casa Branca at casabranca.com. Alessandra Branca serves as master of ceremonies for the PaperCity Design Awards, Friday, September 24, at Virgin Hotels Dallas, as part of Texas Design Week Dallas; TXDW Dallas is a ticketed event. For complete schedule and tickets, go to texasdesignweek.com. TEXAS DESIGN WEEK DALLAS AWE-INSPIRING ALESSANDRA Designer Alessandra Branca takes a page from her Roman past. By Rebecca Sherman Alessandra Branca Bisque tulip candelabra sculpted by Jean Roger Portuguese- inspired fabrics Cortina Tartan on chair Giardino Camo fabric 114